The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-04-23
70 so surc,. But vha. hone was ,asre for

90 bo surc). But what hope was shsro for
nc, while there were so many younger and
more agreeable men already at her feett
And then my secretl All, no, mol loved
her, but I would not marry her. That
would be too cruel Neither could the
widow ever by my widow, unless upon bet
terlacquaintance could summon sufiicen:
courage to tell her my secret, and felt
sure that never could But at least
would try. And in her society might pos
sibly conquer my lovt for Medora.
For the next two weeks kept away from
Mr.. Budderfli's, although was constant
visitor at Dunready's. Twice during that
time met Mcdora on the street. The first
time she bowed coldly, but the second time
she did not notice me at all. What did it
meant Was she angry because had de-
serted her for Leda, and did she care some
thing for me, after all! l wouldn't allow
myself to be so egotistical as TO think 3d.
Pshaw l was old enough to be her father.
Well, the night Of the Fair came. l ac-
| companied Mrs Vastings to the hall, which
| was already crowded. The youth and beauty
| OF Larragona were assembled, and some-
| thing less than a "thousand hearts beat
happy" was soon to appear before them
| as the rcdoubtabe John Smith. doubt II
the real Smith felt more trcmulous than I
did as began my preparations for the char
acter.
AT last all was in readiness. had lain
myself down at full length upon the stage,
with my head resting upon the fatal stone.
Powhatan, alias White, dressed in full In
dian costume, and looking like veritable
red man, held his club ready to strike, while
Pocahontas, far more beautiful than the
| original, with her eyes turned beseeChingly
| upon the face of the "stern parent" pro-
tected me from his impending wrath.
Gathered around us were Il score of young
men, arrayed as children of the forest.
''Turn your head little more this way,
Smithy," said the fierce Powhatan; "the
curtain is going up
| l did as directed. AS I gazed around
among those terribly feroe;ous looking saw
ages, pair of dark eyes INST mine. knew
them, and recognized the face through
the war-paint. l was about 20 speak, but
just then the curtain rolled up.
All was hushed for one MON ent, and then
the curtain began slowly to descend. We
must have made very creditAble appear
ance for the applause was immense. Down
came the curtain. The cheering continued.
"Roll up again." whispered Powhatan.
'Keep cool, Smithy."
| Again the curtain arose. The silence was
awful held my breath for an instant, and
then with single bound one of the young
"braves" rushed out upon me, scalping-
knife in hand. A thrill of horror swept
through the audience, the ladies shrieked,
and Pocahontas tainted. could not move,
and all the rest seemed spellbound. The
scalping-knife flashed like lightning around
my head, and then, ah, then-the young
Indian clutched my hair. shut my eyes
| 7 t,,in 20, 4 81. ,t,1 L.
my patent rig from my head, exposing MI
secret to the world, and my completely bald
pate to the jeers of the crowd.
"Seize him!" yelled, springing to my
feet; but alas! he had fled from tho hall
carrying my scalp with him.
'Not down in the bills" cried voice il
the rear Of the hall.
mot historical, Smithyl" shouted an
other.
A roar Of laughter followed.
I think should have killed some one i
Powhatan had not held me fast, for wa.
wild with rage.
At this point Mrs. Vastings, who had beer
laid upon u sofa ut the back of the stage
opened her beautiful eyes. Her first glanc,
fell upon my shining poll and shudder raj
through her frame. / rushed to her side.
so Leda," cried, 'the cat is out Of M
bag"
$50 see," she answered, with percep
tible shiver, motioning for me to leave her
''and you've lost the bag!"
SIT tm BruteF ! groaned, and then will
one mighty effort freed myself from Pow
hatan and fled down the stairs, followed b,
the ringing ieers and laughter of the crowd
Preached the store, and rushed up int
my room. Ha! the young Indian was ther
before me, with my scalp still in his hand
''Villainr' yelled, selzing him by tn
throat.
"Hold hold am -"
''Who"
"Medora Budderfi!"
''The d-ickens!" I sank into q seat
"Explain."
She hung her head for moment, an,
! then, raising her dark eyes to mine, sh
whispered:
81 loved YOU"
'Me! Loved mel" exclaimed.
"Yes, and l knew your secret. It wa
told me by a lady who lives in your nativ
town."
.sWenW
II heard you were going to marry Mrs
Vastings. / could not have it so l hear,
her speaking only yesterday of your beau
tiful hair, and then l resolved upon IN,
course. l have turned you into ridicule
but -"
"Come to my arms, darling" cried, fold
ing her to my breast.
''Do you forgive me, William?"
"A thousand times, darling" answered
kissing her sweet lips. "And you will b
mnel"
'Yes, forever Here's your scalp, love; !;
and she placed it on my head
just month from that night we wer
| married. but to this day no One in T,nrrp
gona but ourselves knows Who the youn
Indian was who scalped Captain Johl
Smith.-N. p. Darling, in Ballou's Mdgazi,.
|